UAE is home to brilliant jewellery designers who provide a wide variety of bespoke and handmade pieces. Read on below to find out how each business' journey started and what makes them unique.
Cara Jordan (@cj_hand_made)
CJ Hand Made is owned by Cara Jordan herself and it is a polymer clay-based jewellery store. The store is handled by Cara every step of the way and she is involved in the designing process as well as the production stages.
Cara shared her thoughts on her business journey,
My business over the last year has grown quite a lot, I have also expanded with my jewellery, when I first started I just made earrings, and now I make bangles, necklaces and rings. I have a new aesthetic which I feel fits me as a person, or the person I have become. When you start a business you still trying to find your brands image, and I finally think I have reached a point where my brand has a certain image and feel to it.
When asked if she wanted to expand into any further areas of the the jewellery business, Cara responded,
At the moment I have a new collection launching on the 30th September called the Nomad Collection - within this collection I have expanded to Necklaces, bangles and rings, so I am really looking forward to getting the feedback from my customers to see if they will love them as much as i do.
To her customers, Cara Jordan expressed her gratitude by saying,
I would like to thank them for the support first of all as my business would not be possible if I didn't have the support i get from my customers, I look forward to building relationships with my customers to understand their needs and hopefully meet those needs with my unique pieces. My pieces i create are not just jewellery pieces, they are pieces of art, and for them to be showcased on people, makes my heart really happy.
Instagram: @cj_hand_made
Handmade Jewellery In Dubai (@sassi.dxb)
Sassi Designs creates timeless, bespoke, versatile handmade jewellery out of natural crystals and pearls elegantly styled with wires and chains. Our pieces aim to elicit poise and confidence from the wearer as well as to express a hint of themselves with style.
Upon being asked how their business journey started, Sassi Designs responded,
My business journey started about 2 years ago alongside the beginning of my crystal journey. Inevitably, it led me to revive my passion for jewellery-making and how fitting it was! The stories of women entrepreneurs who have turned their passion into successful businesses have definitely inspired me to start a venture of my own. Dubai was the perfect place and the timing was impeccable.
In addition, they also revealed the factors that make their business unique in the market,
The raw elegance and subtle statement style of our jewellery pieces infused with wire sculpting impress our clients the most.
Moreover, one thing that they love and will love about Sassi is the Bespoke Jewellery. It allows our clients to tweak and play with our designs making the jewellery piece even more unique and personal. And something custom-made makes the most thoughtful gifts for oneself and others.
Lastly, but not the least, we have started an Upcycling Jewellery Project that re-styles and upgrades old jewellery pieces to something brand new. Many have come to us with their old collection and are thrilled to see it transform into sparkly new pieces! This is our way to promote sustainability for the health of our environment.
Instagram: @sassi.dxb
Leyāya | Statement Jewellery (@leyayauae)
Leyāya's team shared their exciting business journey as well:
Leyāya is a Sanskrit word that means "a shining object" and that is exactly what aim to offer. We are a home grown jewellery brand specializing in statement pieces that are handmade by Indian artisans plated with 18k gold and inlaid with semi precious stones.
We started our business in 2017 with chunky bohemian style metal jewellery. A year into our business we brought the pieces we sell now to test the market. The response we received was over whelming. So, we gradually shifted our focus to bringing exclusive affordable fusion jewellery to the cater to the fashion savvy U.A.E consumers.
Each piece at Leyāya is uniquely crafted drawing, inspiration from nature and heritage sown into a visually modern concept designed for the unique woman who like to express themselves boldly and freely. Owning a Leyāya design means possessing a one of a kind artisan piece.
Pick & Jewel (@pickandjewel)
Pick & Jewel revealed how their journey began,
We create personalised fine jewellery designed to immortalize special moments in our customer’s lives. We are two friends and mums that started our business because we were inspired by all the women entrepreneurs we were surrounded by.
When asked about the unique aspect that makes Pick & Jewel special, the owner responded,
Our business is unique because we simplify the process of custom-making jewellery, without the need to visit a physical location, using technology to share 3D renders with our customers to help them visualize the final creation, and deliver to their homes, making it a convenient and yet personalized customer experience.
Instagram: @pickandjewel
Kanika Mitra (@bellacreates.co)
Kanika Mitra highlighted the origin of Bella Creates by explaining,
When two creative energies - art and fashion, meet, it gives rise to the synergy of wearable art. At Bella Creates, I use this synergy to create modern, chic, and exclusive handmade jewellery for the women of today. I pour my heart and soul into bringing together elements of the universe, fused delicately into handcrafted pieces of jewellery. Earrings, rings, pendants, and a lot more are available on my website and in my Instagram shop. Although if I were to choose something I love to make, that would be earrings, and my customers love them too. I take pride in the fact that no two items will ever be the same, just like the Bella who adorns it.
Sometimes, it takes a little bit more time to figure out what makes you happy and your heart glow. I always knew I was an artist at heart, and I have been a DIYer all my life. I was fascinated with jewellery and sometimes I would just start designing ornaments that I envisioned.
I moved to the UAE about 4 years ago, and it's been a blessing for me! Although I am a business management graduate and have worked in the field of HR for more than 5 years, I wanted to take a break from my 9-5 job and explore my creative options. I have been fortunate enough to participate in many art exhibitions in the UAE and India. There were times when I used to make my own jewellery and even gave my near and dear ones the pieces I made. People who know me know how much I adore my accessories. It's a happy place for me, whenever I am creating a piece of wearable art.
I take all this as a sign from the universe trying to point and push me to take the plunge and start something I love doing! Finally, after gathering some experience as a small business owner and understanding my own capabilities, I branched out from creating art to creating wearable art. That is how 'Bella Creates' came into existence in 2020. It was one of my happiest moments. I can proudly say I love my work and I love what I do.
When asked about what inspired Bella Creates, Kanika responded,
The story behind this name is very special. 'Bella', meaning beautiful, A beautiful girl with a beautiful soul is the essence of my brand. I am a Bella, creating handmade jewellery for a Bella. Both are unique in their own way.
Exclusive, handmade, exquisite art – that’s what Bella Creates is all about! Just like the beauty of nature, unique and non-repetitive, each piece of jewellery is a piece of the heart, and is one in a million, like the Bella who adorns it. I offer my clients the exclusivity they long for. My joy doubles when I see a delicate smile on the Bella who wears my handcrafted jewellery.
Instagram: @bellacreates.co
REN: Handcrafted Jewelry (@renthelabel)
For their part, the owner of REN explained how the online store came into existence,
REN is the online store for contemporary handcrafted jewellery. REN means “Love, Purity, & Beauty”. Every piece comes to life through a beautiful inspiration through nature, heritage & my travel and is handmade with lot of love by the artisans. Each handcrafted piece is made out of brass and is plated with 18k gold that effortlessly can be worn as everyday and/or occasionally.
When I launched REN in 2016, I was scared and anxious because I wasn’t sure if it would take off. I had put a lot at stake as I had left my full-time corporate job. There wasn’t any sale for few months but then I managed to showcase in one of the event. I had never imagined what was started just as a passion and love for jewellery, would lead me here today. In awe of the natural world, I would always start visualising the different elements as wearable art. This evoked a thought in me to start my own label. That is when I rolled the dice and in 2016, my beautiful ‘REN’ was born. Since then, the world has become my canvas as I draw most of my inspirations while travelling.
Upon being asked about the unique selling point of REN, the owner responded,
I wanted to create a brand that is not just different and unique but with a purpose. I wanted each piece to tell a story and have a soul while doing my bit towards Zero Waste, Sustainable packaging and to my country’s skilled artisans.
At REN, we are crafting jewellery, the livelihood of Indian artisans, and a sustainable future while preserving the artisans legacy. Every time you buy anything from REN, you indirectly will be supporting artisans and their families.
Instagram: @renthelabel
Jewels Of The Desert (@jewelsofthedesertdxb)
The story behind Jewels Of The Desert, as explained by the brand's owner,
Jewels Of The Desert is a Dubai based boutique brand, offering unique custom made jewellery and gifts. We hand make necklaces, bracelets, earrings, keyrings, mobile, glasses and mask chains, bookmarks, wine glass charms etc. for friends, family, teachers - there’s something for everyone! We also make bespoke, so DM us and we’ll design something completely unique, especially for you!
My love for making jewellery began in 2014 when a friend invited me to a jewellery making class and I loved it from the start, making individual pieces for friends and family, it was them that suggested I make a business if it. So that’s when I created my FB page and I started my business, posting everything I made. From there I did a couple of jewellery courses in London, and the love grew and grew! My business is unique as we have personalised pieces for all the family, friends and teachers, for all occasions. When I began there were no other companies in Dubai creating such things. We also provide a very professional, helpful service, aiming to keep all of our customers happy.
So come check us out at:
www.facebook.com/jewelsofthedesertdxb
Instagram: @jewelsofthedesertdxb
Bhavika (@jewelsbybhavika)
Jewels by Bhavika is an online jewellery boutique providing customized silver jewellery. Every piece of jewellery at “Jewels By Bhavika” is designed and skilfully handcrafted by their select experienced artisans from specific parts of India.
Bhavika explained how she gained inspiration and motivation to start 'Jewels By Bhavika',
I always had fascination towards jewellery while growing up. I loved to go with mom for her jewellery shopping and soon developed my interest in it. After completing MBA, I wanted to start something of my own. Always had love for designing, so I did jewellery designing course and started my own jewellery boutique online. (My husband has encouraged me a lot to start it)
I did face few challenges in the beginning in finding the right person who can create my design with the quality I wanted, but today we have experienced artisans creating the jewellery. Jewellery market being competitive it was not easy to enter. Initially I started with personalised silver cufflinks.
The business provides bespoke jewellery, tailored to the customer's requirements.
Jewels by Bhavika mostly works into customized jewellery. We understand client’s requirements and design accordingly before proceeding for production. The jewellery is made in silver and is gold plated. Gold plating increases its durability and gives the jewellery high end finish. Our designs can be worn daily, at work, parties, home.
Instagram: @jewelsbybhavika
